Author, Alice Sebold has proven herself with the uniquely disturbing, beautifully written book, The Lovely Bones. As such, I gave The Almost Moon a chance. I really did try. But what in the world was I reading? When I hit the point of thinking, “There are far too many good books out there to read bad ones,” I threw in the towel.

So, what about The Almost Moon was such a turn off? The style of writing and the bunny trails that led to who-knows-where until I caught myself writing my grocery list while reading.

The book is dark, twisted, and really strikes a chord into the realm of while we may secretly wish at times our infirmed, demented mother were dead; we aren’t actually going to kill them. Even that was okay with me reading - this is fiction, after all, and Misery (Steven King), was SO good, yet who in their right mind would hobble some poor soul whose car crashed in the woods just so they wouldn’t leave us? But we all loved it. So, why not The Almost Moon? The writing.

Alice Sebold has obvious talent, real talent, talent I wish I had as a writer, but what in the world was this book? Some sheafs of paper should stay a paperweight.

I’m giving this story a 2/5. As for the author, I will try Alice Sebold’s other book at some point down the long road. ( )

I read about 10 pages & put it down. I just couldn't get into it. I may pick it up again in the future.

Very difficult read, the story was haphazard and awkward.

This is a difficult book to review and it's not a book I would have picked up on my own. A friend loaned it to me to read. For starters, it opens with a woman who kills her elderly, sick, mentally ill mother and the crazy behavior doesn't stop there. I found it deeply depressing. Alice Sebold is a good writer and there are images from that book that will stick with me so I'm not sure if that makes it a "good" book even though it was not enjoyable. But I probably wouldn't put it on my recommended reading list for just anyone. ( )

This is the story of mental illness and how it can affect families. Helen is looking after her elderly, agoraphobic mother. Her father had committed suicide may years earlier. Helen's own relationships are shaped by the influence of her parents as she grew up. The book portrayed these issues very well, and Helen was an interesting character. I really was enjoying this book...until the end. Because it doesn't end...it just stops. Most unsatisfying. ( )